4 minute read
FUN FOR KIDDOS in Southeast Idaho
Come Out and Play!
You don’t have to go far to find family fun in Southeast Idaho! If you’re looking for a morning, afternoon, or overnight outing, here are some great ideas for you.
Hook, Line & Sinker
Have you wanted to take your kids fishing, but you weren’t sure where to begin? The Idaho Fish & Game “Take Me Fishing” Trailer hosts events at local ponds to make fishing easy for you. During the event, kids don’t need a fishing license and can check out fishing equipment for free as long as they sign up at the trailer. Even if you’ve been fishing before, this is a convenient way to get outdoors and enjoy fishing for a low-hassle, fun-filled experience. Find out when the “Take Me Fishing” Trailer will be near you at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/fishing.
When you’re ready to fish beyond the trailer, take a trip to one of the 31 reservoirs, creeks, streams, and rivers in Southeast Idaho. You can add this to a day of outdoor fun or a weekend of camping.
Cougars, & Elk, & Bears, Oh My!
Get acquainted with species from the Intermountain West at Zoo Idaho. With 25 acres, 30 exhibits, and nearly 100 animals, your family will enjoy seeing indigenous species up close. Watch wildlife others may only see from afar at Yellowstone National Park, including bears, bison, deer, elk, and cougars. Learn more about Zoo Idaho at IdahoHighCountry.org/item/pocatello-zoo.
The Butterfly Haven
A great activity for families and groups of all ages! The Butterfly Haven is located in Pingree and showcases a very wide variety of species including Monarch and Queen. Walk around the greenhouses and see vibrant flowers and butterflies in their natural habitat. The season runs from May to September as the butterflies are not active during the colder months. IdahoHighCountry.org/ item/the-butterfly-haven
Get Caught in the Splash Zone
Not only does Idaho have over 30 lakes and reservoirs, but there are also many local swimming pools which provide a fun and safe environment for families. Here’s a list of local swimming pools you’ll want to check out:
Possibly the most popular option, Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex has the largest swimming pool in the region, holding nearly one million gallons of water. Its lengthy speed slides over the road and extremely high, and 33 foot diving platform attract many visitors from out-of-town. From the shallow end to the 17-foot-deep diving area, this pool offers larger than life fun for the family during the summer.
Adjacent to the Olympic-sized outdoor pool is an Indoor Aquatic Center with a kiddie water playground, hot tub, 25-yard indoor swimming pool, diving boards, and poolside rock climbing.
If you are planning a family reunion or want to camp with a pool nearby, Indian Springs is a great option. Indian Springs Resort and RV Park has 200 acres of RV sites, campgrounds, and pavilions. You don’t need to stay overnight to use the swimming pool, making this great for a day trip or multi-day stay.
Another pool with camping options is Downata Hot Springs, complete with a large pool, hot spring pools, and four exciting water slides. If you get hungry, they offer snacks and meals near the pool! Overnight accommodations include an RV park, yurts, tipis, cabins, vacation rentals, and even Conestoga Covered Wagons.
Located just five miles north of Preston, Bear River Resort has four warm pools, including a children’s pool and two waterslides. With a hotel, cabins, RV sites, camping sites, condo, and event center, you can host a family gathering, visit for a day, or stay overnight.
If you’re looking for a pool to entertain children from very young to teens, Ross Park Aquatic Complex in Pocatello has several great amenities, including a 25yard pool, lazy river, activity pool, and zero depth pool. You can also plan a day filled with swimming and a visit to Zoo Idaho across the street.
In addition to a large pool and two waterslides, Malad City’s pool, Le Grande Aqua Plunge, offers water aerobics, lap swimming, mom and tots swimming, and swimming lessons. Open summers, children and parents will have a blast playing at these pools. Learn more about these pools at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/waterparksand-swimming-pools.
Have a great time Visiting These Indoor, Family Fun Activities in Southeast Idaho :
The Atrium - Lava Hot Springs
Deleta Skating & Family Fun Center - Pocatello
Geronimo’s Trampoline Park - Chubbuck
Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing - Pocatello
Jump In - Pocatello
Level Up - Pocatello
Malad Bowl - Malad City
Outer Limits Fun Zone - Pocatello
Pocatello Recreation Center Swimming Pool & Climbing Wall - Pocatello
Pop’n Pins Bowling Alley - Preston
Spare Time Lanes - Soda Springs
Tough Guy Lanes - Pocatello
Learn more about these activities at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/indoor-recreation
